Deciding what to wear at this time of year can be determined by what you can cram into your pockets/rucksack. The Oneten Pioggia Vest is an ideal companion for any ride, as this versatile gilet not only offers great wind protection but is super light and packs down really well.

When I first tried it on, the cut seemed very high at the front. But in face it's an optical illusion, as the gilet has a generous tail. This keeps the worst of the splash off your rear and adds to your visibility with some reflective detail. You also have the option to button the tail up giving the appearance of a normal cut vest.

The material used is described as 'Waterproof and windproof eVent main body fabric for ultimate weather protection, with a superlight polyamide shell'. Actually, the feel of the gilet is of a harsh and thin material. But does it work? Well, yes is the short answer, despite appearing to be something that would be minimally useful. I soon forgot any concerns over the cut. The shape allowed for a snug fit but without being restrictive, and on colder mornings this gilet soon had me feeling comfortable.

Inside the collar there is a strip of soft material to stop any rubbing on the neck and to offer a little more protection where needed. One downside, the zip can prove a little reluctant to move when on the fly, but otherwise the Oneten Pioggia Vest is worth tucking into a jersey pocket. It could make all the difference.

Verdict

Very light, effective gilet for a warm core when the temperature drops.

road.cc test report

Make and model: OneTen Pioggia Vest

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The product provides an extra layer on really cold days or something you can reach for in an emergency if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Made of lightweight material but sufficient to keep you warm and dry. Ideal for ensuring your core is protected.

Rate the product for quality of construction:

8/10

Well made with some neat additional features such as the high viz elements and the tail for wet weather.

Rate the product for performance:

8/10

The oneten Pioggia gilet is light, packs up small and performs well.

Rate the product for durability:

8/10

Despite being light the material proves durable and hard wearing.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:

9/10

Small and compact, allows you to forget your wearing it or stow it in your jersey.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

8/10

Apart from the slight concern over the cut of the front of the gilet, it is very comfortable.

Rate the product for value:

8/10

For the quality of material and suitability for purpose, this gilet represents good value.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Above and beyond what you'd expect. Despite appearances this gilet will keep you warm and allow you to keep riding.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Small and compact, you can take this anywhere for every emergency.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The slight concern over the cut and perhaps an easier zip would make this perfect.

Did you enjoy using the product? Certainly did.

Would you consider buying the product? I would, yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? I would have no concerns in recommending this to a friend.

Miscellaneous

Tools and workshop

Here's how we roll at road.cc: every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a real insight into whether it works or not. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective, and we strive to ensure that all opinions expressed are backed up by facts, but reviews are always a reviewer's informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores. It reflects both a product's function and value. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Here's what they mean: